Home Sweet Home

Well,Its been about a week since I got back, and I'm still adjusting. I study in the U.S. so its always a struggle adapting back to life in Dubai. When I first arrived in the states, everyone was so amazed by how much I dressed up. I would dress up for everything, and that came naturally to me. To them "dressing up" meant anything that wasn't a simple t-shirt and sweat pants. In my opinion, I was shocked at how casual Americans really are. I dont know if I'd even call it casual...more like carefree.

Fast forward to 2009, and sad to say it, but I'm a completely transformed person today. When I say transformed, in no way do I mean my morals and values. What I mean is, I'm a much more...umm..."casual" person now. Gone are the days when I used to fuss over which lipstick to wear, russian red oooor pink poodle? Or the endless hours spent at the hair salon, sometimes for no reason, but just to get pampered. The transition happened slowly but gradually, and I miss being the glamorous Dubai girl that I once was. It got a little tiering always being the odd one out you know? Besides, in my defense, I never knew how comfy sweat pants really are!

Returning back to Dubai can be a bitter/sweet feeling. Bitter because it feels weird seeing all my old friends and realizing how much things change while I've been gone and Sweet because its Dubai! Its home, and home is where the heart is. Hanging out with friends isn't what it used to be. Its me attempting to understand what they're blabbing on about, something about a new hang out called "the walk?" (the What?) or "the hottest birkin?" (Umm, not really) "Omg, did you see the black Alexander McQeen pumps?" NO! No I haven't! I wonder sometimes if other people go through the same thing once they've left and returned. Or maybe I'm just surrounded by vain people...lol.

Right now I'm in my transitional phase and I'm just starting to get used to being back home. Yesterday me and mama went to Dubai Mall. Before leaving the house, she says "7abeebty, wheres your make-up?? Why do you look so dressed down?" Thats right! I'm back home now so of course I had to go back and get glammed up in order to leave my house. A few years ago, that would have come oh-so-naturally.

Aaah, but its great being back. Nothing like home cooked meals (I never take it for granted anymore), nothing like the beautiful Dubai sun (didnt know how much I'd miss it) and our amazing shopping! (Have you guys seen the new Dubai Mall - Mashallah!) Trust me, I've been around, and shopping in Dubai is exceptional! Oh how I've missed driving on Sheikh Zayed Rd., and hearing the Athan five times a day, and seeing the 3abba's and 3gal's...AND the traffic! Yes! Even the traffic makes me smile, just because I missed it THAT much!

By the time I've completely gotten used to being back, it'll be time to leave again...*sigh* cant wait to graduate and be back home for good Inshallah :)

By the way, Emarati and Proud! (I realize that was completely random, forgive me, I can be a little impetuous)